Haedong Kumdo

Haedong Kumdo is a modern martial art based on ancient Korean sword techniques. It includes practice with one and two swords, and some unarmed techniques. The martial art was developed during 1980's on top of Korean swordmanship traditions and two surviving combat manuals.

Techniques

Haedong Kumdo practice includes sword handling, practice of set number of forms with both one and two swords, breathing techniques, pair practice and cutting practice. Several Haedong Kumdo schools also teach Haedong Gummu, Korean sword dance.

There are several sets of forms for different levels of Haedong Kumdo practitioners. These include:

• Ssang-su Gumbup: a set of 12 forms done with both one and two swords. The twelfth form derives directly from old manuscripts
• Shimsang Gumbup: a highly dynamic and long form used in black belt (1st dan) tests
• Yedo Gumbup: a set of 9 forms intended for single short sword
• Bongkuk Gumbup: a set of 7 forms

Difference to Japanese sword arts

While Korean swords used in practice of Haedong Kumdo are quite similar to Japanese swords, the techniques differ quite much. Japanese sword arts like Kendo and Iaido tend to be quite direct, and focused on one-to-one dueling situations. Haedong Kumdo puts emphasis in flowing, round movement and handling varying enemy and terrain situations. There are techniques for dealing with obstacles and for example fighting in water.

Competition sport

In addition to being a martial art, Haedong Kumdo is also a competition sport. Both worldwide Haedong Kumdo federations hold their own regional and world championships regularly.

Haedong Kumdo organizations

• United World Haedong Kumdo Federation
  
• The World Haidong Gumdo Federation